Policy Position: In addition to maintaining the current economic regulatory framework, Congress should enact policies that ensure a healthy, multi-modal infrastructure network maintained through sustained investments by those who use the infrastructure. Without the ability to make massive investments, the freight railroad network would suffer along with all the companies and industries that rely on it.
The U.S. freight rail network moves the raw goods and finished products that fuel the American economy. This critical, efficient, cost-effective transportation system is among the best in the world because of the billions of dollars — an average of well above $23 billion a year over the past five years — railroads pour back into their infrastructure and equipment. These investments create better tracks and locomotives to make other industries more globally competitive; innovative technology and operations that ensure the industry is safe; and improved freight car designs and more efficient locomotives to help preserve the environment and mitigate climate change.
Highway Trust Fund (HTF): The HTF needs to be restored to a true user-based fund. The current underpayment by road users to the HTF, especially by commercial trucking, has required a transfer of some $143 billion in General Funds to the HTF over the past 10 years.
Truck, Size & Weight: Congress must reject longer and heavier trucks on roads, bridges and highways until, at a minimum, the current HTF imbalance is fairly and sustainably addressed and a mechanism is in place to ensure that, in the future, trucks of all legal dimensions pay their full cost for publicly provided infrastructure.
Environmental Permitting: Delays in permitting slow down the modernization of rail infrastructure and cost the rail industry billions of dollars each year, which could otherwise be invested back into the network. The government should do more to speed up the permitting process of freight rail infrastructure projects.
Passenger Rail: U.S. freight railroads provide the literal foundation for most intercity passenger service in America. Policymakers should ensure that the passenger rail service on corridors owned by freight railroads is done safely and does not impede freight rail service.
Right of Way Access: Lawmakers should oppose BDAC-like legislation that threatens public safety around rail infrastructure and let railroads and entities seeking railroad access continue to negotiate agreements privately.
Section 130: Railroads support dedicated funding for the Section 130 program, which provides funds to eliminate hazards at highway-rail grade crossings.